Miami Union - Veteran

BARTON, MAJ. JOSEPH - A large number of the friends and acquaintances of Maj. Joseph Barton were pained to hear of his death, which occurred at the Weaver House, Urbana, last Saturday morning. Maj. B. was engaged in getting up the "Union Spy" Drama, which was to have been produced last week, when he was prostrated with typhoid pneumonia. He was at first thought to be suffering from but a slight attack, but grew rapidly worse and died as above stated. No one was at his bedside at the time of his death but his wife and Mr. R. F. Somerville, of Troy. He passed peacefully and quietly from life to the grave and the unknown future, but with perfect trust and confidence. Maj. B. was born in Lafayette Co., N. Y., but since he was two years of age has made his home in Battle Creek, Michigan. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion he was practicing law, but left his books to enlist in the 13th Michigan Regiment and returned home after the war with the rank of Major. He afterward joined the Continental Vocalists, with which company he sang for about seven years. It was with this organization that he visited our town and first made the acquaintance of our people. He had a fine bass voice, and always made hosts of admirers. He was the author of several beautiful and popular songs, "Gently Down the Streets of Time", "Out in the Snow" and "Are We Forgotten When We're Gone". For several years past Maj. B. has been engaged in the production of his military drama "Union Spy," which has had quite a run in the smaller towns of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. The citizens of Urbana were unceasing in their attention and kindness to him during his last illness. His remains were escorted to the depot by the military and a large number of the people of that town. Maj. Barton was a man of fine talent and winning qualities, such a man as makes life on earth all the happier for his having lived in it, and leaves a void when he dies.